Bormio Gears Up for Milano Cortina 2026
With just 100 days to go until the start of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the Alpine town of Bormio is preparing to take centre stage. On February 7th, 2026, the opening day of competition, the legendary Stelvio slope will host the first medal event of the Games, the men’s downhill.
From that moment through to February 21st, Bormio will welcome the world’s best alpine skiers for all of the men’s alpine events, including the slalom, giant slalom and super-G. It will also mark the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering, a discipline rooted in mountain heritage, now poised to capture global attention.
The Stelvio is no ordinary slope. Since its debut on the World Cup circuit in 1993 and after hosting the Alpine World Ski Championships in 1985 and 2005, it has earned a reputation as one of the most demanding and exhilarating courses on the calendar. With a vertical drop of 1,023 metres, it is often referred to as the La Scala of skiing, a nod to Italy’s most iconic opera house and a fitting metaphor for the drama and precision required to master it.
Swiss ski star Marco Odermatt will arrive in Bormio as the man to beat. Italy’s own Dominik Paris, who holds honorary citizenship in Bormio and has long dominated on the Stelvio, will be joined by Mattia Casse and slalom specialist Tommaso Sala in carrying home hopes for gold.
“We’ve been preparing for a long time and the goal is clear. To reach peak form on the Stelvio, one of my favourite runs, in a magnificent place I feel deeply connected to,” Paris said.
© Pentaphoto
While alpine racing headlines the schedule, the historic debut of ski mountaineering brings added significance to Bormio’s Olympic role. On February 19th, the men’s and women’s sprint events will unfold at a purpose-built course near the base of the Stelvio, followed by the mixed relay on February 21st.
Expect a fierce contest between leading nations including France, Switzerland and Spain. Among the medal favourites are French duo Thibault Anselmet and Emily Harrop, Spanish champion Oriol Cardona Coll, and Germany’s Finn Hösch. Italy will field a strong team, including Nicolò Canclini, a Bormio native and reigning world champion.
“The countdown makes everything feel closer. This is a unique opportunity for Bormio and for ski mountaineering to shine on the world stage,” Canclini said.
© Maurizio Torri
Preparations in the town are progressing steadily. According to Mayor Silvia Cavazzi, the Olympic spirit is already alive in Bormio, with institutions, local businesses and residents working together to create a welcoming and unforgettable experience.
“Construction is on schedule but so is our hospitality. We want visitors from around the world to feel the warmth and uniqueness of our town,” Cavazzi noted.
For Samanta Antonioli, Councillor for Sports, Tourism and Olympics, the Games represent more than sport. They are a platform to showcase the region’s culture, infrastructure and identity.
“The Olympics are a catalyst for sustainable development and regional pride. These final 100 days are the crucial stretch that will shape how we deliver this moment to the world,” Antonioli said.
Dario Da Zanche, President of Fondazione Bormio, echoed the excitement and collective energy driving preparations.
“The Olympics are our chance to show the world the true spirit of Bormio. This is not just about 2026 but about building a lasting legacy for the Stelvio and our region.”
Bormio is ready to make history!
